Adhering Boot Shaper Device

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an improved boot support and shaping insert system to keep boots attached together in an upright position when not being worn. The system includes an elongated curved shaper mirroring the natural tapered silhouette of the lower leg. The system self-adjusts to adopt the shape and fill the cavity of the boot without applying pressure that causes the boot to stretch. The system&#39;s snug fit supports the weight of the boot when inserted and allows a convenient means to carry and transport the boots. It also contains a weighted element with odor neutralizing and moisture absorbing properties that keep boots dry and fresh. A portion of the system protrudes when inserted in a boot; this section includes a handle, visibility identifiers and a self adhering mechanism. The adhering mechanism allows a pair of shapers to adhere to each other as a system or remain detached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved adhering boot holder, shaper and carrier device for storage, maintenance, cleaning, and display of legged boots.

Boot shapers have long been known and used to preserve the form of the boot especially the flexible legged and ankle portion, to prevent creasing or damage and to protect the boot from dirt and salt when not worn and during storage. Boots tend to fall over, scatter and separate especially when grouped with other pairs of boots, for example at gatherings where it is expected that boots be removed before entering the premises. Unorganized boots render it difficult to find and match a pair of boots upon leaving the premises and poses a safety hazard as it is easy to trip over them. Boot shapers have been around since the start of 20^(th) century and are typically designed to hold the boots in an upright position or in a manner which supports them and prevents them from collapsing and tilting, which causes creasing and damage. The term “boot shaper” is commonly used in the trade because of the function accomplished by the device.

Previous attempts to eliminate the damage caused by creasing were made using clamps to hold the top of the boots together, for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,774 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,715 and international patents such as Canada Pat. No. 1,176,606; Japan Pat. No. 2,006,325,677 and Japan Pat. No. 2,005,252,572. This method often marks the boots and flattens the material where the clamps are applied.

Similar troubles are noted with the reversed “U” shaped apparatus where the inserted tongues of the device flatten and sometimes indent the material where the pressure is applied to hold the boots together as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,865 and international patents like Canada Pat. No. 1,107,483; Australia Pat. No. 2,010,101,150; WIPO Pat. No. 2,009,128,165; China Pat. No. 201,894,246; China Pat. No. 201,097,941; Japan Pat. No. 2,005,329,146; Japan Pat. No. 2,010,253,228. These devices require that both boots be engaged in the reversed “U” members to avoid their collapse and is not suitable for shorter ankle boots. The proximity of the boots held in such a support does not allow adequate space for cleaning and polishing during boot maintenance.

Inflatable sock like, rolled inflatable and rigid sheets and folding devices have also been developed to prevent boots from collapsing. Although these lightweight devices are successful in shaping the individual boot, they do not retain the pair of boots together and do not assure that the boots will stay upright and often tilt to one side. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,840; Japan Pat. No. 2,008,253,723; Japan Pat. No. 2,005,046,575; Japan Pat. No. 2,010,154,948. It is necessary to rely on balancing the boot or resting it on a surface to prevent it from falling over and incurring damage from the environment it falls into. This practice is not satisfactory as the boots do not tend to stay in the upright position and can flatten on the side of the boot which ends up resting on the floor. Additionally, inflatable devices can puncture and have sometimes proven to be difficult to insert and remove from the legged part of the boot. The rolled rigid sheets are also known to slide out of the shorter boots due to their silky finish properties.

Mechanical expansion devices can stretch the calves of a small and narrow boot, they are more costly and again, like many other designs, do not keep the boots together nor do they ensure the boot will stand upright as they are inserted individually in the boot and must rely on balancing the boot to remain upright, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,331; U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,524 and Japan Pat. No. 2,011,200,314; Japan Pat. No. 2,003,159,102; China Pat. No. 201,219,566; China Pat. No. 200,941,863; China Pat. No. 2,744,204. Narrow and short legged boots may not allow the mechanical device to fully deploy and be rendered non-effective.

Bow spring devices expand in a single direction, enlarging the major axis of the elliptical while keeping the minor axis of elliptical body constant, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,524. This one way expansion can deform the natural shape of a delicate legged boot as well as the small and narrow boot. The rigid material of the outer shell, more specifically the calf shaped section, has a set and permanent curved shape. When inserted in boots the spring mechanism pushes the shaped calf part of the device against the inner wall of the boot, forcing the boot to follow the set curve of the device, which often differs from the natural shape of the boot itself, resulting in a deformation of the legged portion of the boot.

Shaped insert type solutions are successful shape keepers and offer boot support but they lack the capability to keep the pair of boots attached together and must rely on balancing or resting the boot on a surface to remain upright. Devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,681,804; U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,416; U.S. Pat. No. 2,270,936; U.S. Pat. No. 3,041,643 and Japan Pat. No. 2,005,006,915; Japan Pat. No. 2,006,230,878; UK Pat. No. 2,252,487. These devices are typically not suitable for short ankle boots as the shaped insert cannot be properly inserted and used on short boots. Fixed circumference shaped devices may also prove to be difficult to insert and remove and can stretch narrow legged boots.

Ankle support systems do keep the boots balanced and steady but they do not secure the upper part of the boot, hence allowing the boot to tilt, fold, collapse and crease.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves many of the listed issues mentioned above by providing an improved boot support and shaping insert system which prevents collapsing or tilting which causes creasing and damage, by keeping boots attached together in a secure upright position when not being worn or while on display or during storage. Scattered boots pose a dangerous tripping hazard; organized boots set up in an upright configuration are more visible and lessen the risk of accidents.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a boot shaper device comprising an elongated curved body that mirrors the natural tapered silhouette of the lower leg, calf and ankle with a bevelled bottom. The shaper has a semi rigid core wrapped up in a soft compressible material. This malleable material allows the shaper to fill the entire cavity of the legged boot by conforming and adopting the shape of the boot. When inserted, the shaper compresses to line the inner wall of the legged boot, offering maximum support while in contact with the ankle, calf and shin portion of the boot, without applying pressure that would otherwise cause stretching of the upper part of the boot. This full support prevents creasing and damage to the boot. The present method of shaping and supporting a legged boot is a welcome improvement to clamp like devices which can mark and indent the boots. The fitted shaper also solves the issue of the silky plastic shaper devices, inflatable or rolled sheet type devices, that simply slide or unravel out of boots due to their slippery smooth finish, leaving the boot unprotected and unsupported. Its snug fit ensures adequate friction between the boot and the shaper insert to allow the boot shaper to serve as a means to carry and transport the legged boots.

Preferably, a section of the said boot shaper protrudes when inserted in legged boots, allowing the user to easily manipulate the device without having to reach inside the boot like previous devices mentioned above.

Preferably, the boot shaper is enveloped inside a decorative smooth shell, facilitating the insertion and removal from the boot. The shell also helps identify and distinguish a pair of boots when many pairs of boots are grouped together, e.g. in environments where it is expected that boots be removed before entering.

The rear curved portion of the boot shaper can also be fitted with a self adjusting foldable section to accommodate wider legged boots and men's boots.

Preferably, the present boot shapers is fitted with an adhering or self adhering mechanism on the inner-upper side wall allowing a pair of the said boot shapers to remain attached in a parallel fashion to each other as a system in an upstanding configuration during storage and display. When linked together, the shapers give structure and ground the boots eliminating the need to balance individual boots as with previous boot shaper devices mentioned earlier. The present improved boot shaper can remain detached from a second boot shaper while inside the boot if desired, facilitating individual boot shaper insertion and removal, boot cleaning, polishing and maintenance.

Preferably, the top surface of the present shaper includes a handle or strap to ease insertion and removal of the inserts into the boots and to facilitate convenient carry of boots with the shaper inserted. This handle connects both side walls of the said boot shaper and extends to the adhering mechanism where it acts as a reinforcement interface.

Preferably, the bevelled bottom end mimics the shape of a heel and hides a cavity where a weighted element can be inserted. The weighted element contains odor neutralizing and moisture-humidity absorbing material which help keep the boot fresh all the while adding stability to the present shaper invention when inserted in a boot. The bevelled bottom end rests on the sole of the boot's heel when inserted in the boot.

Preferably, safety enhancing elements by means of visible identifiers are attached on the upper outer sides of the present shaper invention and can be seen when inserted in the boot. These visible identifier elements diminish the tripping hazard of boots left in high traffic areas and low ambient light environments such as lobbies, hallways, entrances and split-level entrances by attracting the eye to the boot shaper inside the boots. Safety enhancing elements may have one or a combination of features, including but not limited to: phosphorescence, fluorescents or reflective properties, bright colours, floral designs or the like. The safely enhancing element also contributes to the uniqueness of the boot shaper inserts, allowing faster recognition of a pair of boots among many others.

The present boot shaper invention device is scalable and can be adapted to shape, support, keep erect, //transport and increase visibility to reduce tripping hazards for all boots including children boots, men's boots as well as all heights of ladies legged boots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the outer side of a single boot shaper device inserted in a legged boot according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a transparency side perspective view of the outer side of the boot shaper device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a , FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c are front aerial perspective views of two boot shapers devices according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The boot shapers are inserted in legged boots while attached by example adhering and self adhering means. FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c are truncated at mid-calf length;

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the semi rigid core component of the boot shaper device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the boot shaper device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective inner side view of a boot shaper device inserted in a legged boot according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of a boot shaper device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are rear views of the boot shaper device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the invention are presented in FIG. 1 though FIG. 8b which are not drawn to scale and in which like components are numbered alike. Some drawings show the device inserted in boots. The boots are for illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 1 depicts the improved boot shaper device 1 inserted in a legged boot. In a preferred embodiment, its elongated curved shape mimics the natural tapered silhouette of a lower leg, the front shin area 2, the rear calf area 3 and tapered ankle area 4. The insert compresses and molds itself to adopt the shape of the boot. Conforming and lining the inner curves of the boot allows maximum support and stability in the ankle portion. It also allows the boot shaper device to fully bear the weight of the legged portion of the boot. The shaper is inserted all the way inside the boot cavity with its bevelled heel 5 resting at the base of the boot's heel. The bottom base holds a weighted element 6, which adds stability when inserted in the boot. The weighted element also contains moisture and odor absorbing properties that keep the inside of the boot dry and fresh. The outer shell 7 composed of a soft material, for example fabric, flexible plastic, polyurethane, covers the entity of the boot shaper device, confining all the components within and securing them in place. The outer shell helps reduces friction and facilitates ease of insertion and removal of the device. The visibility identifiers and safety enhancing elements 8 are attached to the shell on the upper outside wall portion of the boot shaper device. Their eye catching features help reduce the risk of tripping on boots left in high traffic areas or low lighting environments. The shell and the visibility identifiers and safety enhancing elements are also a means of rapid identification. Inserted in boots, boot shaper devices stand out and allow the user to immediately spot and recognize a pair of boots among many other boots. The handle/strap 9 located on top of the boot shaper facilitates the manipulation of the device during insertion and removal and facilitates carrying the boots during transportation. In a preferred embodiment, when inserted in legged boots, the boot shaper device protrudes exposing the upper part of the outer shell, the visibility identifiers and safety enhancing elements, the handle and the adhering or self adhering mechanism means.

The transparency perspective view in FIG. 2 illustrates the different structures of the boot shaper. The semi rigid core component 10, can be made of polyurethane, polystyrene, resin, wood, metal or some other resilient material. This core acts like a spine for the device. It provides support to the device by allowing it to be manipulated, inserted and removed from boots without bending or breaking. A soft compressible component 11, contours and enwraps the semi rigid core in a lower leg shape. This section of the boot shaper is designed to deform and self adjust to adapt its shape by compressing itself to conform to the figure the legged boot when inserted without applying pressure that would otherwise cause stretching of the upper part of the boot material. For example, the soft component could be stuffing, memory retention/flexible polyurethane or fabric. The semi rigid and soft components are confined and secured in place inside an outer shell 7. The handle 9, bridges both sides of the device and continues down the sides of the device where it becomes an interface supporting and reinforce material 12 to the outer shell component where the adherence mechanism 13, and the visual identifier and safety enhancing elements 8 are attached. A cavity located at the bottom of the device 14, provides space for a weighted odor neutralizing and moisture-humidity absorbing capsule element 15. Unlike previous reversed “U” boot shapers, mechanical expansion devices and bow spring type shapers, the present improvement of the said shaper occupies the entire leg cavity of the boot once inserted, lining the inner wall of the legged boot, offering maximum support while in contact with the ankle, calf and shin portion of the boot, without applying pressure that would otherwise cause stretching of the upper part of the boot. The present device also keeps individual boots in an upright configuration.

Alternative boot holder adhering or self adhering mechanisms are illustrated in FIG. 3a through FIG. 3c . The adhering or self adhering mechanism is an improvement to other boot shapers wherein the shaper provides each boot with support to stand upright but adds extra stability to the upright configuration when both boot shaping devices are adhered to one another. The user will appreciate the shapers ability to support the individual boot during cleaning, drying, polishing and maintenance and then choose to attach the pair of shapers together to securely store or display paired boots in a stable upright position. Attaching both members of the boot shaper device also facilitates storage when not inserted in boots as they can be suspended or stowed away together without losing a member. Means of adhering or self adhering mechanism permit individual boot shaper device members to be held together in a longitudinal parallel fashion. The attached parallel configuration maximizes the boot shapers ability to support, keep as a pair and transport boots. Adhering or self adhering mechanism can be, for example, one or a combination of methods attached to the inside or outside shell element of the boot shaper, but not limited to: tabs or flaps attached to the inserts, magnets 13 a, a button and buttonhole 13 b, hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro), a clasp, a strip or a band of ribbon 13 c.

The boot shaper's semi rigid core component is isolated in FIG. 4 to best illustrate the particularities of its slim rounded tapered shape.

FIG. 5 provides a transparent top view of the device and depicts the frontal position of the semi rigid core 10, the encompassing soft and compressible material 11, the centered position of the handle 9 and centered bottom cavity 14 and weighted odor neutralizing and moisture-humidity absorbing capsule element 15. The adhering of self adhering means 13 is secured to the upper inner side of the boot shaper and the visibility identifiers and safety enhancing elements 8 is attached on the upper outside portion of the device. The visibility identifiers and safety enhancing elements help reduce the risk of tripping on boots left in high traffic areas and/or low lighting environments by attracting the eye to the potential obstacle and helps identify the position of the boots in the environment. Visibility identifiers and safety enhancing means may have one or a combination of but not limited to: phosphorescence, fluorescents, reflective properties, bright colours etc. The visibility identifiers and safely enhancing elements contribute to the uniqueness of the boot shaper inserts, allowing faster recognition of a pair of boots among many other pairs of boots.

The continuation of the handle 12 along the sides of the device reinforce the outer shell 7 at its stress points as shown in FIG. 6. The reinforcement material can be placed on the outside of the outer shell or hidden on the outer shells inside wall. Other reinforcement material, such as patches, may also be attached to the shell or to the interior of the boot shaper shell to add resistance to the attached adhering or self adhering mechanism 13. As the boot shaper device work as a system to keep boots in an upright configuration, stress may be applied to the point of attachment of the adhering or self adhering means. Adding a reinforcing membrane or material to the shell allows for a more secure connection when both members of the boot shaper device are engaged together.

FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of the shaper showing the semi rigid core 10 enveloped inside the soft compressible material 11 and the cavity 14 centered at the bottom of the device with the weighted odor neutralizing and moisture-humidity absorbing and element 15. The weighted element adds stability to the shaper further aiding the device to hold upright the legged boots. Its odor neutralizing and moisture-humidity absorbing properties keep the boot dry and fresh.

The rear curved portion of the boot shaper can be fitted with a self adjusting foldable section to accommodate wider legged boots and men's boots. This foldable expansion section is shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b . The expansion panels are composed of excess outer shell material 7. When folded inwards, the expansion panels 16 a are held in place by an adhering mechanism 17. If the boot shaper is too narrow to fill the legged boot cavity and line the inner walls of a wider legged boot, the expansion panels may be released 16 b. As they unfold, pressure on the soft compressible material is lessened allowing the device to expand its circumference. The wider boot shaper can now conform and adapt its shape to fill the legged boot cavity by compressing itself to fill the boots cavity, without applying pressure that would otherwise cause stretching of the upper part of the boot. To return the boot shaper to its original slimmer circumference, one simply needs to compress the soft compressible material and re-attach the adhering mechanisms which are secured onto the outer shell.

The presently disclosed embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

The above described embodiments are by way of example only; various other constructions are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A boot shaper comprising: a tapered elongated continuous solid body device that mimics the natural curve of the lower leg; an elliptical shaped top end and bottom end; a semi rigid front section with a core extending along a portion of the length of the device imitates the structural characteristics of the bony shin part of the lower leg; a malleable, soft and compressible curved rear section simulates the characteristics of the calf part of the lower leg, such that the device can conform to the shape of the entire cavity of the legged boot, ensuring a continuous contact with the inside wall of the legged portion of the boot when inserted in a boot; soft and compressible side walls, such that the device can conform to the shape of the entire cavity of the legged boot, ensuring a continuous contact with the inside wall of the legged portion of the boot when inserted in a boot; a portion of the upper half of the device protrudes from the opening of the boot when inserted in a boot; a side wall comprises a means to adhere to the side wall of a second boot shaper, binding two devices in a parallel fashion; and a beveled base contains a cavity to insert a weighted, moisture and odor absorbing capsule.
 2. The boot shaper of claim 1, wherein the semi rigid front section is enwrapped in a soft and compressible material.
 3. The boot shaper of claim 1, wherein a least a portion of the rear surface contains a foldable section that can be released to expand the whole circumference of the device, ensuring a continuous contact with the inside wall of the legged portion of the boot when inserted.
 4. The boot shaper of claim 1, wherein the boot shaper is enveloped in a smooth shell made of a fabric material.
 5. The boot shaper of claim 1, wherein both side walls of the device are connected by a handle, allowing easy insertion and transport of the device, even when adhered to a second device.
 6. The boot shaper of claim 1, wherein the interface between the means to adhere to the side wall of the device is reinforced with a reinforcing material.
 7. The boot shaper of claim 6, wherein the reinforced material securing the means to adhere to the side wall of the device extends to the top of the device and makes up the handle.
 8. The boot shaper of claim 1, wherein the beveled base is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the top end of the device.
 9. The boot shaper of claim 1, wherein at least one of the side walls further comprises visual identifier elements. 